Imaginal Discs – A New Source of Chromosomes for Genome Mapping of the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegypti
2011

Using Imaginal Discs for Genome Mapping in Mosquitoes

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sharakhova Maria V., Timoshevskiy Vladimir A., Yang Fan, Demin Sergei Iu., Severson David W., Sharakhov Igor V.

Primary Institution: Virginia Tech

Hypothesis

Can imaginal discs from 4th instar larvae provide a reliable source of chromosomes for genome mapping of Aedes aegypti?

Conclusion

Imaginal discs of 4th instar larvae are a superior source of mitotic chromosomes for Aedes aegypti, enabling precise mapping of DNA probes to chromosomal positions.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identified imaginal discs as a reliable source for chromosome preparation.
  • High numbers of mitotic divisions were observed in imaginal discs, facilitating cytogenetic analysis.
  • Idiograms were developed for each of the three Aedes aegypti chromosomes based on banding patterns.

Takeaway

Scientists found that parts of mosquito larvae can be used to get better pictures of their chromosomes, which helps in understanding their genes better.

Methodology

The study utilized mitotic chromosomes from imaginal discs of 4th instar larvae for cytogenetic studies and developed idiograms for chromosome mapping.

Limitations

The current genome assembly of Aedes aegypti is highly fragmented, with only about 31% assigned to chromosomes.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95%

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pntd.0001335

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